Growing Madison Seeks BRT

Besides addressing mobility needs, activists hope a new transit option will make more of the city accessible for the disabled.

1 minute read

February 4, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Bus Lane

Goran Bogicevic / Shutterstock

Madison, Wisconsin is growing. Regional Transportation Planner David Trowbridge says the city needs funding for Bus Rapid Transit to keep up with the city's increasing population. "Madison is currently transitioning from a mid-sized city to a large city, and if investments in transit are not made now, the city will suffer from congestion," according to an article by Molly Devore.

The city of Madison's Metro Transit and the Madison Area Transit Planning Board are already working on a "Madison East-West BRT Planning Study." 

"As explained on BRT’s website, the transit line is a high frequency, limited-stop transit system that is faster and can transport more riders than current buses. Furthermore, BRT uses dedicated lanes to avoid traffic and would compliment Madison’s current metro system," explains Devore.

Activists from the disabled community want the service to be more accommodating for the disabled, Devore reports. “According to their website, BRT is currently planning on leveling and widening boarding platforms and improving accessibility by adding additional doorways."

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in Badger Herald

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

3 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

4 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

5 hours ago - Cities Today